MAP LEGEND
FEDERAL
In Rutland, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with MDC, DFW. and DEM manage areas connected with Barre Falls. A total of 10,557 acres within the four towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Rutland and Oakham provide canoe access to the Ware River, walking, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking. Includes a portion of the Mid-State. The Barre Falls Dam is operated by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. For more information, call the New England Division Office of the Army Corps at (617) 647-8576.
STATE
DEM (Department of Environmental Management-Division of Forests and Parks) The largest public landowner in Massachusetts, with stewardship responsibilities for more than 100 state forests, parks, beaches, and reservations totaling more than 280,000 acres. DEM has the dual mission of overseeing for natural, cultural, and historic resources and providing recreational opportunities. For additional information contact the DEM Central Regional Office in Clinton at (978)368-0126.
MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) manages I 20,000 acres of reservoir and watershed lands that provide clean drinking water to 2.5 million Massachusetts residents. The MDC continues to acquire land to better protect the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed. These lands are generally open to the public for hiking and cross-country skiing but activities are regulated to ensure water quality protection. In the upper watershed lands along Stillwater and Quinapoxet Rivers some areas are open for hunting as well as mountain biking. For more information contact MDC Field Headquarters, 180 Beaman Road,West Boylston, MA 01583, (508) 835-4816.
DFWELE (Division of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement)
DFWELE is responsible for the conservation of fish, wildlife, wild plant, and natural community resources in the commonwealth. The DFW seeks to balance diversity of wildlife populations and their habitats with the best interests of the public and to provide wildlife-related recreation and education. More than 80,000 acres are actively managed to enhance wildlife habitat and provide public access to open space. Hunting is allowed on most DFW lands. The DFW produces a quarterly magazine, Massachusetts Wildlife. For more information contact theDivision of Fisheries and Wildlife, Field Headquarters, Westboro, MA 01581(508) 792-7270 or in the Wachusett Region, the Central District Office, Route I 40,West Boylston, MA 01583(508) 835-3607.
MUNICIPAL
Several Wachusett area towns have municipal conservation, town forest and park lands. Uses vary depending on how they were acquired-purchased or donated. Check with individual town halls for specific details.
NON-PROFIT
Massachusetts Audubon Society The Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) formed in 1896, is one of the oldest and largest conservation organizations in New England. The Society operates 35 sanctuaries, protects more than 27,000 acres of conservation land/wildlife habitat, provides nature programs for 200,000 students annually, and advocates for sound environmental policies. Lands are open to the public and a fee is charged for non-members. Lands are managed for maximum wildlife protection and many activities are regulated carefully. Hunting, dogs, horseback riding, and mountain biking are prohibited. For more information, contact Massachusetts Audubon Society Headquarters, South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 0 I 771(781) 259-9500 or in the Wachusett Region- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton, MA 01541(978) 464-2712.
Trustees of Reservations The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), founded in 189 I, is the world's oldest land trust. It is a member-supported, non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to preserving properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value. In Massachusetts TTOR owns and manages 77 properties, including historic houses, forest, salt marsh, and beaches, totaling more than 20,000 acres. Most TTOR properties are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, are generally allowed. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at most TTOR properties. For additional information, contactThe Trustees of Reservations, Public Information, 290 Argilla Road, P0. Box 563, Ipswich. MA; (978)356-435 I or in the Wachusett Region,TTOR Central Regional Office, Doyle Reservation, 325 Lindell Avenue, Leominster, MA 01453, (978) 840-4446.
Paxton Land Trust Established in 1996. committed to protecting open space in the town of Paxton. For more information contact Dennis Gorman at (508) 798-8261.
~
Princeton Land Trust Founded in 1992, the Princeton Land Trust acquires open space that contributes to the beauty of the community. Several parcels have been donated and are included on the map. For more information contact Wyatt Garfield (978) 464-5548.
Sterling Land Trust Incorporated in 1998 to protect open space in Sterling. For more information contact Ken Williams (978) 422-6681.
White Oak Land Conservation Society Founded in 1978, this regional
land trust, based in Holden, has been instrumental in protecting and acquiring
conservation land in Holden and the region. Education for all ages in the "logic
and lore" of the environment is a prime mission. For more information contact
president Judy Haran, treasurer Anthony Costello, contact at 508 829-4829 or White
Oak, PO Box 346, Holden, MA 01520.
Heifer Project International Operates Overlook Farm, a 285 acre Farm in Rutland open to the public. HPI teaches sustainable agriculture and provides farm animals to families in third world countries. School tours, special events, birthday parties. hayrides. sleigh rides, picnicking and hiking trails are available. Call (508) 886-9182.
New England Science Center Owns acreage in Rutland, known as the former Daniels School of Forestry, and in Paxton, an area known as the site for "Nature Training School" near the Holden line. Both areas are currently not open to the public for daily access. Future uses may include public hiking trails. Call (508) 791-9211.
Please note: Several of these sites and trails are still being developed for public access. Consequently official access points and parking areas may not be established yet.